Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Bobby Taylor, Ladybrille Woman of the Month!

Years ago, for the Nigerian entertainment world, there was no public relations network to speak of. Today, there is not only a space for young Nigerian entertainers to turn for help on their ascend to stardom– but also a space for communicator to use their skills.

What, or who, was the catalyst for this evolution? Her name is Bukky George Taylor aka Bobby Taylor and she is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for March 2009!Over the last few years, Canadian based yet world jetsetter Bobby Taylor has taken the Nigerian entertainment industry by storm. Her clients include hip-hop sensations Eldee and M.I., singer D'Banj, stylist to the stars Remi Fagbohun, and others. Truly the innovator, Taylor through her business Bobby Taylor Consulting has given the Nigerian entertainment industry a facelift.

Recently, LADYBRILLE.com caught up with the talented Bobby Taylor. We chatted about everything from her family, her personal style and her favorite fashion designers, to challenges she’s faced so far in the industry.

We give you Bobby Taylor!

LADYBRILLE.com: You have emerged as a leader in Nigeria's PR industry. Please tell us about your journey thus far. How did you get your start in the business?Bobby Taylor: It’s a bitter sweet journey when you start your own business. There is so much to learn where public relations is concerned. I learn something new everyday! As challenging as it might be, it’s a fantastic line of business. I have a passion for PR and for people in general so it works well for me.

I got started when I got my calling! I was inspired by very many people around me and I knew I could bring a lot into the world of Public Relations and so I went for it and I have absolutely no regrets.

LADYBRILLE.com: When did you know it was time to open your own agency? What was the start-up process like?Bobby Taylor: I knew it was time to open up my own agency when I decided I was ready to do this and do it well and do it hard! I have always worked in the line of public relations and felt it was time to create a business that would provide excellent services.

The start up process was not easy. Picking a team, starting with a bit of capital, etc. No start up process is easy however; it was worth every bit of it!

LADYBRILLE.com: Thus far what has been your most challenging moment running Bobby Taylor Consulting?Bobby Taylor: [B]alancing my work with family. I have been married for almost 6 years and I have a 3 year old . . . and I want to have a bigger family too, and then balancing all that with work has been the most challenging moment.

I have a very great partner who helps me pick up my slack sometimes so it’s great! Shuttling between two countries as well is not very easy either! Somehow, in all of this, everything is working out fine!

I think I am getting a hang of it though. I make sure I make time for the family because without them I am nothing . . . and then I also make time for work too. If it means sleepless nights then it means sleepless nights.

LADYBRILLE.com: Being that there hasn't really been any one in the role of PR gatekeeper for Nigeria's entertainment scene before you came along, what has that been like wearing that hat? What are some challenges that you've faced? Some great triumphs? What do you love about the industry?Bobby Taylor: Do I wear the hat? I am humbled. It hasn’t been easy because there are tons of things that need to be set in place as far as the Nigerian entertainment scene is concerned. Our artists work hard and I appreciate hard work . . .we need more structure in the industry and these artists cannot do it alone. Other than artists, there are the authors, the poets, the small businesses, the big businesses, the events, the products and the personalities that need PR specialists.

I would say that I have faced challenges in the area of people not understanding what a publicist is and folks not seeing the need to have a publicist. It is a big battle because our big artists and even emerging ones, need publicists! I think the greatest triumph for me is seeing other publicists in Nigeria emerge. I love it. We need it!

LADYBRILLE.com: You've also broken in to fashion representing clients like stylist Remi Fagbohun and the like. Tell us what that's been like thus far. Is that a completely different animal than working for the musicians and other entertainers?Bobby Taylor: I learnt a lot working with Remi Fagbohun, who is an amazing New York celebrity stylist by the way! I learn a thing or two from the various personalities that I come across and I trust they learn from me too! Fashion is definitely a different market than entertainment. Each client is different regardless of whatever industry they are in. The job is putting them in the forefront of media and making sure that their target market is reached and that the image of the client is on point and a lot more other things! Everyone is different and I guess that’s the exciting thing about my work . . .the different personalities. . . it’s fresh every time.

LADYBRILLE.com: How big a part of your life is fashion? Who are some of your favorite African fashion designers?Bobby Taylor: I love fashion, it's great but I have my own sense of fashion. I don’t follow trends; I am very much into unique things. My favorite African fashion designer is Chichi & Chichi E. While I probably cannot fit into any of their clothing, I appreciate their sense of style, the uniqueness of their clothing and their attention to detail. I don’t wear many clothing from African Fashion Designers but I do have a Tiffany Amber outfit that I love to shreds! So yes I love Tiffany too! I wear lots of polo’s from “Azure” as well! I love quality polo’s that I can wear with jeans because I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of female…

LADYBRILLE.com: Describe your look/your style?Bobby Taylor: It depends on my mood! I like unique items…I don’t shop where everyone shops…If I see something and I like it then I will wear it. There are the days where I am wearing a tank top and sweats and my converse sneakers and then there are days where I am wearing a dress that makes me look like I work on a farm [she adds] trust me these peasant dresses are hot. . . and then there are days where I break all rules of fashion and then there are days when its time to be glamorous!

LADYBRILLE.com: As a person in the public eye, I'm sure people are always looking to see what you're wearing.What are some tips that you can give our readers on how to be effortless chic?Bobby Taylor: I am in the public eye and I simply just wear what makes me comfortable. You have got to be comfortable. When you are comfortable in your skin and in your outfit, your confidence will do the work for you!

You guys make me laugh, equating aggressive internet/facebook marketing to top PR in Nigeria. You all have got to be kidding me. She is still working her way up which is good but you cannot start calling her the top becuase outside of the elite internet people, nobody knows booby taylor in naija. This is something I hope she will soon start to work on because I am tired of reccomending her for companies and nobody in that industry in Naija seems to know her...

To prior Anonymous, is there really a reason for the animosity? To top it off u couldn't even spell check before posting your insults. And you're the one recommending someone in the caliber of Bobby Taylor? You know nothing! So you can stop hating cos she sure as hell doesn't need your incompetent self to recommend her to companies in Nigeria.She has come this far and will continue to rise all by herself.

God bless you Bobby Taylor, keep doing what you do. You make us all proud girl!

She is known for her aggressive online marketing skills yes.She has also done a lot of legwork in Nigeria too.

Are you in Nigeria?

She has handled three projects i am well aware of here in Lagos (MI-Silverbird TG1st just to name a few, She works with the likes of 'No Surprises', Her work in the Niger Delta was great (saw you on TV girl) and more)Now she is handling the hospitality for RnB Singer LLOYD who is in Lagos from Atlanta this weekend.BT rawks!

If you think she doesnt have clout, why recommend her?

Bobby brings something fresh to the entertainment industry in Nigeria. She does it a different way and people are watching and people are learning.

Left to me, she isn't the best, and she should stop calling her self and international recognized Publicist because no 1 knows her, she has alot to do and i know of upcoming people who would knock her off her position, she really needs to check and review the definition of a publicist before calling her self one, her old job suits her better....k.m.t

There always has to be one Hater! Her work is credible even if you think she is not well known she does have a proven track record even if you think she has not got may clients.. The Lady has things to put on her CV and to be proud of!

Just curious, is Bobby still married? I know this has no bearing on her as a publicist, but just curious as she mentioned she's been married for almost 6 yrs and i know in recent interviews,she doesnt mention her marriage or husband anymore